All Roads Lead to Washington

To prepare for a late summer "Mega-game" some of our Johnny Reb stalwarts gathered to get up on the rules again and also to test out scenario ideas.  In tonight's game four players start with two infantry brigades on table.  The Confederates have a smattering of cavalry and are expecting reinforcements later.  (Damn work life!)  We have experimented with each side having the same or different objectives that are kept secret.  In this game the Rebs need to exit the table on the corner road.

As always, comments, corrections or suggestions are welcomed.  Click on the copious pictures to "big up" them.  

Initial deployment, with the exit point upper left.  All units
were rated even, no green or elites.

The Reb column.  Initially some brigades had set starting points.

My command US Regulars and seasoned troops look to
swing wide and hit the Rebs in the flank.

Throwing caution to the wind, the Rebs race to the road
and can see the table edge.

Soon though the "smattering" of Reb cavalry becomes the 
"smashed" cavalry.  The Iron Brigade moves to close the gap.

Anticipating(?) my move, the Rebs send troops out to 
protect their flank, leaving the other command to open the road.

Each side grabs favorable ground and gets deployed.

It appears the Union left is in a good position, but it is
a thin blue line.

Action becomes general on the Union right with losses taken and
given.  The yellow marked figure means the unit is Shaken.

Things look better for the seasoned brigade as some 
catastrophic dice rolls remove some Reb units.

The left, where a table edge hugging maneuver threatens
to unhinge everything.  The blue flag markers indicate orders
issued, as Johnny Reb is an order based, simul move system.

Oh cheese and crackers!  Two fresh Reb brigades enter
the fight, thankfully the dice placed them a distance away.

The US Regulars, having driven off the first Rebs, must
now prepare to receive a fresh attack.

Seeking to take pressure off the left, a limited attack is
planned against the left-center.  It is highly successful.

But likely isn't going to save the day.  The Reb numbers
are simply overwhelmed the shot up and reduced Yankees.

The Union right is stable for the moment but that will
just mean a good withdrawal. 

"I know you don't want to, but retire to the other side of
the creek."

There is little to be done to stop the Alabama Tide.

Advancing a bit to see the extent of the disaster as the
previously charging Yankees rally back.

All over but for the Rebel Yells.

The destruction of the Union left was skillfully done, aided by some wretched dice.  Just when the turning operation on the right might have been getting started, the arrival of fresh brigades put an end to such dreams.  A good time was had and we felt freshed with the mechanics of our favorite ACW game system.  Next time Johnny Reb!

Last Alliance vs. Mordor

Elements of our Middle Earth Strategy Battle Games mustered the forces of the Last Alliance to stop the advance of the Witch King of Angmar and Gothmog's Orc and Uruk-Hai host.  Each side fielded 500 (I think) points, the mission was Annihilation and I commanded the Mordor army. 

The spear of Gil-Galad and the sword of Earendil ready their warriors.

Tabletop view, with "evil" arrayed on the right.

Paul does excellent work on his figures.

Orcs and an armored troll rumble up the middle while
the Witch King and his Morgul Knights flank.

And just like that, my troll goes down in a hail of 
Elven arrows.

After yielding ground, the Alliance takes the brunt of
the charge.

Orcs swarmed the archers and decimated them with
hot dice.

Swirling melee with magic flying.

Judging the timing is right, the Knights rush in.

Gothmog has two wounds but stays in the fight.

The Elven archers are wiped out as some Mordor Uruk-Hai
battle warriors in the distance.

The Morgul Blade is worth the points and Gil-Galad,
out of fate, goes down.

The Last Alliance was shattered at this point and the game ended.  Always a pleasure to play with and against a talented gentleman.  Thanks for the game.